§ Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that out-of-date ventilating systems in operating theatres can double the risk of cross-infection to patients undergoing operations, he will examine the possibility of providing operating theatres in Scottish hospitals with the latest specially-designed ventilation equipment.
§ Mr. NobleHospital authorities are well informed on the contribution that can be made by efficient ventilating systems in operating theatres to the prevention of cross-infection. The 44 new operating theatres which have been built since 1948 are all provided with ventilation equipment. Where practicable such equipment has also been provided in older theatres which have been improved. Hospital authorities are devoting a great deal of attention to the problem of cross-infection, and the programme of improvement of operating theatres will continue.